Where to begin? I had a big week following the music trail or hopping the music train. And sometimes it does feel like a runaway train! Since I write this column on Monday morning I'll start with the freshest memory. Last night I pulled up to Hill Country Music on Main Street in Fredericksburg. Lights were shining warmly as this building with over 100 years of history beckoned us in. We donated our money at the door (a house concert atmosphere prevailed) and walked between walls decorated with musical instruments and music books to our wooden chairs. I immediately noticed the vintage wooden floor. Everyone in the crowd seems very pleased. Many asked if I'd heard JohnSmith (one word) before. They they informed me, "You are in for a real treat. He's very special." Daria also collected her second story to take back to the Czech Republic about music in Texas.

John's first song started the moving the molecules of emotion that I carry with me. We heard of someone traveling who knew when it was time to let go and move one. Beautiful images filled his songs, and he shared a story with each one. Celebrating his own Irish heritage, John told of his first trip to Ireland. He not only performed about 12 times in three weeks, but he also joined some Irish accordion players in Pub when their guitar player did not show.

I looked around this warm wooden room, noticing the peaceful smiles on the faces of all who crowded in for this special moment. Rod Kennedy and Fran were there. So, too, Eric Gerber and Cindy, Bill Stacey and Stephanie and more. All seemed very, very pleased and content. I say the spirit of the evening was one of celebration of a life well-lived. I'm glad I finally had my own experience of JohnSmith, a beautiful writer and performer from Iowa and Wisconsin. He said, "Texas is my favorite place to play." I know he's been part of the Kerrville Folk Festival for several years. Rod Kennedy has great taste in music.

I stayed home enjoying my fire on Saturday, missing a wonderful house concert. I had to enjoy my house and animals as a significant part of my weekend. Now Friday was a different story. I went to the Watering Hole deliberately to track down Tommy Elskes, a songwriter who's been hard to track down over the years. We first showcased him about ten years ago along with Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and Tish Hinojosa at a Jimmie Rodgers Tribute. I never forgot that performance, I never forgot that voice.

What a thrill to be part of a small audience (I arrived early) hearing "King of Dixie" and "Too Fat to Fly." The audience swelled as the night went on, and several of us walked down to the Java Pump to hear The Blue House, a trio of fine women from Australia. It was fun to walk between these two venues, both showcasing great music in Kerrville. I came away Friday with a Tommy Elskes CD and one by Tony Airoldo, his guitar player. What a duo.

I missed the 5th anniversary party on Sunday, a full day of great Texas music. I had to grade papers for my day job. I know Shelly King must have been great!

The Watering Hole has a website now, and March features include Nathan Hamilton and No Deal on Saturday, March 9. Forline and Cross on March 15, Tim Steele (featuring songs from his new CD) on March 16, Then Mark Jungers, Brian Rung, Thomas Michael Riley and John Walker. Mark Ambrose returns April 5. Call 257-HOLE for information.

After my mythology class on Thursday, I dropped by the Java Pump to catch a video shoot of The Blue House. They are a rare trio, tongue in cheek all the way. Greg Forest was filming for Austin Cable television and local Channel 10. Way to go Greg for perserving the music! I had a great time out on the patio listening to, first, Lady Jane Gray and then The Blue House. Some beautiful songs by the duo Lady Jane, followed by some fun and folic. The overriding impression I had was one of extreme talent with both groups. Thanks Kristen for bringing such talent to the Java Pump.

Not sure what I did Wednesday, but Tuesday was the beginning of this long trek. With Dr. Gray driving the vehicle, I headed to San Marcos for the second Texas Music Unplugged Show at SWTSU. Produced by the Institute of the History of Texas Music, this event doubled in size in one year. Over 800 people (including students and VIP's in the music world) crowded into the LBJ auditorium for an evening with Joe Ely, Tish Hinojosa, Pony Bone, Ruthie Foster and Cyd Cassone, hosted by the one and only Ray Benson. His version of Cindy Walker's song, "You Don't Know Me," knocked me out. I saw this tall and wonderful leader of the best Western Swing band in the country, Asleep at the Wheel, in a new light. Acoustic and unplugged.

Ruthie and Cyd, who will be featured at Schreiner University at a free Texas music coffeehouse on Wednesday, March 27, stole the hearts of everyone in the room. Ruthie can take over with her version of Texas music. Don't miss her Kerrville appearance. She's also been featured at the Kerrville House Concerts and at the Kerrville Folk Festival. I look forward to having her visit my English class that afternoon!

I can't rave on enough about that special show. Sitting next to Rod Kennedy, I heard him sigh gently as Tish shared a song. I watched his face light up as Joe Ely and Ponty Bone rocked out. I remembered, again, what first drew me to Kerrville, the passion for music that Rod Kennedy share around the world. And Gary Hartman, director of the Institute for the History of Texas Music, thanks all those who helped create the evening. I say, thanks to Gary Hartman for his vision and hard work.

Whew…what a big week. I have a stack of new CD's to write about. More great music ahead in the Hill Country. Next I'll be writing about John Greenburg and his life with music. He's hosing and open mike up in Johnson City on Tuesdays. Free Leonard and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

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